Kenda Crusher Gravel Tire Review
“The Crusher is designed to be Kenda’s fastest gravel tire to date. Its dynamic tread pattern isn’t just visually sleek—it’s built for speed and functionality. Engineered with the goal of delivering a fast-rolling and light-weight tire with industry-leading traction and handling, Kenda has crafted its fastest gravel tire yet: the Crusher.” – Kenda Bicycle Tires/Tyres
Kenda Crusher Compound
“The Crusher comes with a dual layer compound specifically developed for the tire. A dual layer compound features a firm base layer for best in class rolling resistance, and a softer top layer for reliable grip and excellent handling.”
Kenda Crusher Review Video
Alternative Video Link for those reading via email subscription
In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew presents a detailed review of the new Kenda Crusher.
Real-World Riding Experience Written Review (or see video above)
Circa the time of this video, I’m confident just about every iteration of tread pattern one could design, has been released to the market, or re-released to the market. Therefore I’m certain Kenda’s Crusher tread pattern may bear a resemblance to a tire / tyre model or two already on the market, and I’m sure somebody in the comments will let me know.
The Crusher is fast, or feels fast at least, on smooth pavement, undoubtedly courtesy of the tyre’s center strip. That same feeling of speed extends to rough pavement, especially when you have your tyre pressure set accordingly. I have my handy recommended tyre pressure chart for those interested.
Crossing over to the more fun hardpack and dirt road surfaces, the Crusher negates these with ease once again thanks to that fast center strip. The sidewalls of this tyre have enough give or flexibility without dropping pressure super low, that bigger hits such as potholes feel less disturbing to one’s constitution. It helps that the 45mm tire casing expands to a little more than advertised at 47mm on these ultra wide 32mm internal, Zipp 303 XPLR SW carbon rims.
Cornering grip on hardpack and dirt road surfaces is very good. I’m not talking leaning hard into a corner, that’s a recipe for losing the front wheel, but taking the corner in a relatively normal manner will yield no surprises. Off camber spots, good traction there as well provided conditions aren’t overly loose.
For dodgier conditions where the road surface may feature chunkier gravel and so on, I was very pleased with how the Crusher performed. I was expecting some not so sure footed performance when things got loose beneath my tyres, but traction is excellent. Those little transition knobs between the tyre edge must be lending a hand.
I cannot speak for mud performance of the Crusher, but based on my experience riding sticky mud in southern Georgia, my home state of South Australia and elsewhere, I feel you’d be better off with a mud specific tyre for the worst of conditions. This tyre surprised me, I wasn’t expecting it to be such a good all rounder as it has been during the period of this review.
While the Crusher is touted as favorable in harder pack conditions, it also exceeded in sandy spots, or spots along the road where the gravel is very fine. Think a patch of road where you’re not enjoying sinking feeling, and you’ll understand what I’m talking about. Combined with the lovely wide casing and some skills, powering through these questionable loose spots is easy.
Thus far, the Crusher has demonstrated good durability. I don’t rack up pro rider mileage volume, but at about four weeks of solid use, tread patterns are looking good, with plenty of rubber sticking around.
I feel Kenda has found a good happy medium, pardon that pun, that’s a former gravel tyre by Kenda. I mentioned the sidewalls earlier, I feel their supple but resilient nature really helps the overall feel of this tyre, to one that is not only fast across a ton of different road surfaces, but one that is very comfortable at the same time.
Overall, the Kenda Crusher is a tyre you really need to consider if you’re in the market for a solid all rounder. It’s difficult to find at the time of this video, it’s not even on the Kenda website! Kenda, hurry up and sort that out, I think you’ve got some customers waiting…
Reminder
ALWAYS BE A STEWARD FOR GRAVEL CYCLING: Respect the roads, respect the locals, respect the land, respect your fellow cyclists.
Learn more at the Kenda Bicycle Tires/Tyres Website
Support Gravel Cyclist:
Buy Me a Coffee – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/gravelcyclist
OR
Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/gravelcyclist
Links of Interest:
- Kenda Bicycle Tires Website
- Zipp 303 XPLR SW Review: The Widest is Fastest?
- Gravel Bike Tyre / Tire Pressure Guidelines
- Best Mud Tire? Challenge Gravine
- North Florida Freeride Gravel Series
- How to Create Amazing & Fun Gravel Routes!
- Gravel Cyclist’s Route Library
- Gravel Bike Tire / Tyre Pressure Recommendations
Don’t forget to Like the Gravel Cyclist Facebook page, follow G.C. on Instagram, and subscribe to our Youtube Channel. We are also on Twitter!